Autumn Blaze Maple

kplender

I live in Lakewood, Colorado (a suburb of Denver). I just purchased a 2.5 inch Autumn Blaze Maple to plant in my backyard for shade. I have a couple questions:

*Other than wrapping the trunk, is there anything else I should do to prepare it for winter?

*I watered it good the day I planted it (which was October 27th) with a root stimulator ( gave it about 10 gallons of water). How often should I water it throughout the winter? Typically it is very dry in Denver area in the winter (in spite of the snow). So, how often, and how much?

*I noticed yesterday afternoon that at two places on the tree (at the junction of two smaller branches), that the tree was weeping some water. It is not much, maybe 4 or 5 drips, is that OK? Normal? Anything I need to be concerned about?

I am probably being a little paranoid, but want to make sure that I am doing everything right to hopefully grow a nice shade tree in our backyard (which needs it desparately). Thanks in Advance!!

Kurt